Employment Counsel

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. Employees are encouraged to work across multiple areas of the company. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important.

This is an in-person role based in San Francisco or Palo Alto, CA that requires up to 25% travel.

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert advice on global employment law matters including hiring practices, terminations, leaves, accommodations, and workplace policies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws such as FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and others relevant to our operations.
• Stay updated with legal trends and changes that could impact the company, proactively advising on necessary adjustments to policies and practices.
• Develop, implement, and update company policies related to employment, including employee handbooks, remote work policies, and AI Tutor annotation.
• Craft employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, and equity compensation plans.
• Conduct internal investigations on workplace issues or complaints.
• Mitigate risks by advising on potential legal issues related to HR practices.
• Handle or oversee litigation involving employment matters, aiming for timely and cost-effective resolutions.
• Educate and train managers and employees on legal compliance, workplace ethics, and cultural sensitivity.
• Engage in proactive counseling to prevent legal disputes.
• Work closely with HR, executive leadership, and other departments to support business strategies with legal insights.

Basic qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• License or qualification to practice law in California
• 6+ years of combined legal experience at an innovative technology company and top law firm 
• In-house experience as employment counsel at a Business to Consumer or Business to Business company

Preferred Skills and Experience: 

• Experience working in a startup environment 
• A proactive approach to law, focusing not just on compliance but on enabling business growth.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with sound judgment in ambiguous environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Proficient in understanding complex legal concepts and translating them into actionable business advice.
• Tech-savvy with an understanding or keen interest in emerging technologies like AI.

Salary Range: $200-250k